Raiders lose on the margins to Bills, undermining valiant effort

The Las Vegas Raiders dropped a 33-30 decision to the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium, a loss that stung despite a competitive performance. Coach Klint Kubiak wore his disappointment openly, saying he doesn’t believe in feel-good losses after the team’s 3-0 start, and emphasized focusing on the next game rather than the big picture.

The Raiders weren’t overwhelmed as they were against the Patriots the prior week, but they weren’t good enough situationally to win. A wasted third-quarter challenge by Kubiak — which would have gained only 2 or 3 yards if successful — and a botched fourth-down tush push by fullback Connor Heyward, negated by a false start, contributed to losing on the margins. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a third-quarter interception over the middle that led to three Bills points, the game’s lone turnover.

Cousins completed 23 of 41 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns to Tre Tucker, but Josh Allen outplayed him, going 23 of 33 for 255 yards and two scores, including a 12-yard backhand flip to Keon Coleman after evading multiple rushers. James Cook provided the tiebreaking touchdown with 4:43 left, finishing with 153 yards from scrimmage. The Raiders’ rushing attack remained inefficient, gaining just 65 yards on 20 carries (3.3 yards per carry), though Ashton Jeanty scored his first rushing touchdown of the season and added 36 yards on four receptions. Backup Mike Washington Jr. had a season-high nine carries for 43 yards, including an 18-yard burst that helped tie the game.

Kubiak praised Washington Jr., saying he ‘gave us a spark’ and had been practicing well, noting the team would continue to use him, Dylan Laube, and Jeanty. The Raiders forced nine turnovers in their first three wins but have managed just one total takeaway in losses to the Chiefs, Patriots, and Bills. Cousins acknowledged the effort, saying, ‘Everybody battled. Played hard. We were well prepared going into the game but just didn’t make enough plays.’

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal